Michigan

PTAC hosts Women-Owned Small Business SBA Training

Women business owners interested in the new Small Business Administration Women-Owned Small Business Program (WOSB) can learn more about the opportunities available and the certification process at an upcoming training seminar.

On Tuesday, July 12 the Procurement and Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) of the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce will host the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) training seminar on the WOSB, the 8(a)Business Development Program and the Historically Underutilized Business Zone Program (HUBZone)Certification Orientation. The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Regional Chamber in the Mott Board Room.

The training focuses on providing WOSB eligibility requirements and contract set-asides, as well as the step-by-step requirements for certification. Participants will also learn about the 8(a) small business disadvantaged business program, which provides business assistance for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses interested in accessing the federal procurement market. In addition, attendees will learn more about the HUBZone, which is designed to stimulate economic development and create jobs in urban and rural communities by providing federal contracting assistance to small businesses.

According to Dustin Frigy, Director of PTAC for the Regional Chamber, women-owned businesses have a great opportunity to tap into new federal government contracting opportunities through this program. He says working with the federal government can definitely help diversity your business.

"If you are a woman business owner, then you should absolutely attend this training," said Frigy. "The SBA will provide the nuts and bolts of what you need to know to take part in the new WOSB program that launched in February of this year and PTAC can provide hands on assistance throughout the application process. This new program is designed to provide a greater chance for women business owners to win contracts. If you've considered growing your business through government contracting this is a must attend event."

Business owners interested in government contracting or currently pursuing government contracting should attend. Attendees will also learn about the services and resources the Regional Chamber PTAC has available to help with the contracting process. There is no cost to attend the training, but registration is required. The Regional Chamber is located at 519 S. Saginaw St. in downtown Flint.